Watercraft Rentals & Lessons

Sailboat or Kayak Rental Information

The Evanston Recreation Division rents sailing boats (Barnett 1400) and kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards by the 45 minute period during the beach swimming season.

2018 Season General Information

Come to the Dempster Street Beach Office, Dempster St. at the lakefront, during operating hours. Life jackets are provided for all passengers. You’ll need to show a valid state ID. The resident fee is for those living in ZIP codes 60201 and 60202. Scholarships are not available. For more information, please call the Beach Office at 847-866-4167.

Punch pass fee:* Fifteen 45-minute rentals, with a maximum of one hour and 45 minutes on a single day is $275, Evanston resident and $375, nonresident. Passes are valid during the season purchased.

Unlimited rental* during 2018 season, with a maximum of one hour and 45 minutes on a single day is $600, Evanston resident and $800, nonresident.

* Note: To use your punch pass or season pass, we will need at least 24 hours advance notice (so the boat will not be rented to someone else during your reservation period).

Learn to Sail or Kayak

You can take private lessons scheduled at your convenience!

The Evanston Recreation Division offers lessons in sailing and kayaking on Lake Michigan. You can sign up for private sailing lessons on our day sailing boats or group lessons in kayaking. The resident fee is for those living in ZIP codes 60201 and 60202. Fee assistance is not available. For more info., please call the Beach Office at 847-866-4167 during the season or 847-866-2913 preseason. Note: No new students will be taken after August 1st.